Interview: Overlooked 3-Star 2021 California WR Kai Jessie is a Play Making Machine
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is a uniqueness to Kai Jessie’s game as a receiver that is hard to come by in the high school and collegiate ranks. At 6-5, 195-pounds, he is too big for defensive backs to cover one-on-one, especially in the red zone, but he also has speed, hands, and is a strong route runner. The combination of talents led Jessie to an off-the-charts junior season missed by many ending with 65 receptions for 972 yards with 16 trips into the end zone. Those in the know on the Patrick Henry High School three-star are smitten with six offers dropped with another handful-plus ready to see the growth in his talents once the 2020 season kicks off in California.
In a first visit to the RNG Lab, Jessie takes us deep on his talents, offseason workouts, and growing recruiting process.
Interview
Kai, the coaches at Henry were utilizing your skills in various ways with a real heavy lean in the red zone. Getting inside the 35-yard line, in your mind, is that “Kai Jessie time”?
Oh yeah, for sure. When coach gives me that play that I like, I will get the crowd going. That is my time to shine.
You were coming down with the jump balls in the end zone and flying past guys on go-routes, what were some of the other routes you were running last season?
My favorites were 15-yard comebacks and ins. I am good on setting the guy up on that route. They thought I was doing a go, the comeback throws them off.
How were teams trying to defend against you?
Last year was my first year starting, they were not too worried about me at first. They doubled up on the other guys. I started out with one DB on me, but I’d kill him. Then I saw double and triple coverages.
When the 2019 season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?
High pointing the ball, getting up there and grabbing it, and pushing for more yards. On a hitch, I would push for another seven to 10 yards. My catching is a strength.
What have you been working on this offseason?
Speed and strength. Coaches have been telling me that I needed to work on my speed. I got my times up in the 40, and I have been perfecting my routes.
Where all are you lining up on the field in 2020?
I will be at outside receiver and some in the slot. I will be all over the field this season, and I will get some time at DB this year and on kickoffs. On defense, I will try to get some interceptions this season.
What style of offense will you guys be executing this season?
We usually are in a Spread and run trips. Really, we run every offense – doubles, trips, bunch plays; a little bit of everything.
How have you worked to improve your speed, agility, and quickness in space?
This offseason I have been working with a trainer, Ronnie Taylor. We’ve been doing more vertical things, working on straight ahead speed movement, my stride, and how I push off the ground. With my trainer, I have improved my 40.
What is your latest 40-yard time?
4.65
Nice. Turning to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest waiting to see your senior season?
Nevada, Weber State, Fresno State, North Dakota, and Northern Arizona (NAU).
How many offers are you holding?
Six.
Jessie’s Offer Sheet: Cal-Poly, Morgan State, New Mexico, New Mexico State, South Dakota, and Valparaiso
Have you taken any virtual visits this summer?
Yes, I have. I took virtual visits with Cal-Poly, New Mexico, South Dakota, and NAU
Whenever campuses open back up, are there any visits you’d like to take?
I would like to take an unofficial to Cal-Poly, for sure. They are not too far away and it is beautiful up there. I wanted to take an unofficial to South Dakota too.
For seniors in many states, this recruiting cycle is awkward to say the least. How are you approaching your recruiting with signing day still scheduled for the first Wednesday in February?
I don’t know; I still need to figure that out. Right now, I am not too sure about that.
In this odd decision-making process that has come up due to the dead period for seniors, do you have a commitment date in mind?
With the season, if the season was normal, I would commit around homecoming or mid-season. But right now I do not have a date.
For those college football coaches out there who may not know you or know about you, what would you like to share with them?
I am a very hard worker, I make plays, and I can produce for the team. I am not just a good kid on the field but off the field too.
With this extended time to prepare, what do you want to accomplish this fall and winter?
This fall, I want to improve my speed, trying to drop that time to a high 4.5, improve my overall strength, getting my arms bigger now, and perfect my routes of course. I want to get them crisper. With the extra time, I want to keep getting in better shape.
Kai, thanks for your time today. Wishing you success this fall and winter as you prepare for your senior season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Henry HS/Jessie family; Kai Jessie in action 2019